I wish to thank the MLC community for your warm wishes of congratulations; this is an exciting time for our family and we are grateful for your words of support.
Eve’s birth and the subsequent adjustment to four hours of broken sleep each night have led me to ponder the depths of my own mental and physical resiliency. Being a resilient learner and citizen of the world has become a buzz concept in education. Of course, the focus is most often on how specific approaches to parenting and teaching can develop the skills of a buoyant attitude.
As adults perhaps one of the most effective lessons we ever offer is our own role modelling. With this in mind, I share below my top 10 proactive strategies for strengthening resiliency; this is a personal list that may resonate with you.
1. Make time in your life for passions to thrive.
2. Count your blessings.
3. Treat every day as a fresh beginning.
4. Extend common courtesy, kindness and respect to others.
5. Recognise and accept that life is full of peaks and troughs.
6. During challenging moments know that “this too shall pass”.
7. Find a “chuckle” friend – an individual who has the knack of making you giggle.
8. Keep perspective; acknowledge the difference between a bleeding vein and spurting artery.
9. Be mindful of how you fuel your body; healthy choices improve brain functioning.
10. Exercise.
Children are forever watching and learning; being constantly mindful of the messages we send is an exhausting responsibility but one that reaps enormous benefits. So, enjoy being a resilient role model and watch your family thrive!
